Kauaʻi Businesses Recovering Post-Hurricane Lowell; Status Tracking Available

Businesses in Kauaʻi are recovering from Hurricane Lowell, while both islands face climate change-fueled disasters. A tourism industry nonprofit launched openkauai.org to provide information on the status of hundreds of Kauaʻi businesses. Kamika Smith, who runs Smith’s Kauai (offering river boat cruises and luau in Wailua), helped conceive the project. Leigh Hachen updated cocowire.com, noting that her checks indicate 70% of Kauaʻi’s eateries are currently open.

The initiative provides a resource for residents and visitors to locate open establishments as the island recovers. The status updates offer transparency regarding the operational viability of the local service economy in the face of severe weather impacts.